Though the EOS 1D X is a giant SLR in itself, the 200-400mm lens definitely dwarfs it.
(Credit: CBSi)

Photographers have waited a long time for this lens to see the light of day as a finished production model. First, the telephoto lens was announced at the beginning of 2011 as a development model, then a prototype version was put on show at the 2012 Photokina show in Cologne, Germany.

Two years later, the super telephoto EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM lens finally gets released across the world. There's only one model currently available in Australia, as pictured above. The lens was on show at the Digital Playground, a photography event held as part of the Vivid festival in Sydney.

Canon claims it is the world's first telephoto lens with a built-in extender (1.4x). When the extender switch is flicked, the lens converts to a focal length of 280–560mm f/5.6.

Though the lens comes with built-in image stabilisation (IS) effective to four shutter speed stops, it's not the most lightweight model to tote handheld as it's 3.62kg. There are three different IS modes available that cover scenarios such as panning and fast-moving action. According to Canon, these lenses have been snapped up so far by photo agencies, professional sports and wildlife photographers.

The lens is available on order from Canon retailers, with pricing at dealer discretion.

This shows you the sort of results that the 200-400mm lens can achieve. The image on the 1DX's screen was taken before sunset, no superimposing here!
(Credit: CBSi)